(WASHINGTON) - The case against suspended Washington police officer Barry Hudson has taken another twist as state charges have been dropped and federal charges may take their place.

Nate Smith of Washington Times Herald reports that Special Prosecutor Michael Steiner says the state charges were dismissed in February as the Federal Bureau of Investigation started an investigation into Hudson's actions on Christmas Eve 2011 when he allegedly beat a man in his custody.

Martin County prosecutors say they will not prosecute while there is a federal investigation going on.

Steiner says if no federal charges are filed, he will refile charges on Hudson. He says if federal charges are filed it will probably be sometime this summer.

Hudson, according to court records, was scheduled to go to trial on May 8.

An investigation by the Indiana State Police on Hudson started on Jan. 26, 2012, after they received a complaint about Hudson's treatment of his prisoner.

Anderson, who appeared to be intoxicated at the time, allegedly became belligerent and threatened police. As Anderson exited the police car at the Daviess County Security Center, Hudson allegedly shoved Anderson into the car. Anderson's face hit the car and the concrete floor when he fell, causing a large cut and chipped teeth.

Hudson, according to the affidavit, told investigators he felt Anderson was trying to head-butt him and made a defensive move. Anderson was never charged in the incident.

Hudson was originally suspended by Chief Mike Healy for five days without pay. He was later suspended without pay by an agreement by Hudson's attorney and the Board of Public Works and Safety.